On one of my recent trips I crested this hillside and was transported back to one of our family vacations. We were heading home from a trip to North Carolina, years before GPS became a household name. After realizing we’d somehow taken a wrong turn, Warren consulted the giant Rand McNally we kept in our car. There he … Read More
Out of Chaos and Into the Kitchen
Kitchen. Cooking. Baking. Heaven. This snowman cookie jar, a Christmas gift from the new mother who babysat my children fifteen years ago, has sat empty on my counter. I’ve been yearning to have a day to myself, one I could spend in the kitchen preparing whatever recipes moved me. I spent yesterday morning baking bread and cookies. One of the … Read More
Flippin’ Funny
You know the drill. “Gown opens in the back.” Instructions for my recent colonoscopy and upper GI—a Flipper, they call it—however, included additional pieces of attire. “Everything off except your bra, socks, and shoes.” “And there’s a pair of shorts for you to put on,” the nurse said before she left the room. I couldn’t help chuckle at the fashion … Read More
Winter’s Playground
In the midst of an emotionally gut-wrenching, grueling week, these are but a few of the Moments that made me smile. His hat is a giant 50-gallon trashcan! I could just imagine the family’s fun building this guy! I love how the snow seems to cuddle the tree and the lights cast a warm glow across the pair. … Read More
Fun Wintry Frosting
I love the beauty of a fresh snowfall, especially the kind that stays on the ground for a while, the kind where you can still see white after the soot and salt trucks have turned the roads an icky gray. This week has produced several squalls and significant accumulation. On vacation, I have watched the magnificence unfold from my warm … Read More
Christmas Cheer
Four-o’clock Friday hit and I felt oh-so delightful!! I have a two week, much needed break from work! And yesterday I checked my lists (checked them twice!) and marked off many of the tasks I’ve been so far behind on. Like Professor Hinkle—you know, the mad magician in Frosty the Snowman—I am Happy. Happy! Happy!! Remember my cluttered desk? Finis! … Read More
Tis the Season
I am surrounded by peaceful images of this beautiful season… Porcelain set on the buffet He’s checking his list… The vase on my countertop The heirloom star on miniature dining room tree Doorway between living room and kitchen/dining room Santa tapestry in sitting room One of my favorite … Read More
Sowing Some Happiness
Just like I do every September, I purchased a bag of tulip bulbs for fall planting. Just like I do every year, I failed to place them in the ground before it began to harden from evening frosts. And just like every Autumn I can recall, there is always an Indian-Summer day or two. I was sure I had … Read More
Happiness is Granular
A local café carries these freshly-baked granola bars. They are TO. DIE. FOR. Fresh grains, sunflower seeds and other assorted nuts, moist cranberries… Some thirty minutes from my house, I’m not able to visit often, but when I do I nearly salivate over this healthy treat. Warren just happened to be doing some work for the owners, earlier this week. … Read More
A Little Tax Relief Proposal
It’s that time of year. Tax time. Almost. But when you are six months behind on accounting entries, the date breathes down your neck harder than Old Man Winter. The only activity that puts me in a fouler mood is cleaning a house I’ve let go. Oh, yeah. And monthly hormonal surges. But I can’t control the latter. Every … Read More